Prayer is essentially the act of communication with Almighty God. It is God’s children’s way of communicating our thoughts, concerns, needs, and desires to our heavenly Father. Prayer also means spending time with God, and thereby deepening our relationship with Him.
It is important to keep in mind that prayer does not in any way change God’s will or purposes. God has declared “For I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6). Prayers are answered in accordance with God’s will. The Lord Jesus, who is the Christian’s greatest example, submitted to God’s will. While in Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to His Father, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
We can pray at any time, anywhere, anyhow, kneeling, standing, walking, running, sitting, or lying down. The Scripture says, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Philippians 6:18). Also, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Daniel, whose name means God is my Judge, was a man very committed to prayer. The Bible says, “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously” (Daniel 6:10).
In his prayer, Daniel declares his faith in God and his strong confidence that God would hear and answer his prayers. He was also consistent. The text says “He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” This means it was not the signed document that prompted him to pray.
Prayer brings us into the very presence of God, where He has provided a Throne of Grace, to which we may confidently come. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
We draw near to God through prayer and worship. God says to you and me, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you will seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Take note, “You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” God gives us the wonderful assurance that He hears our prayers. God also says “You will seek me and find me when you will seek me with all your heart.” Commitment, devotion and persistence, and sincerity in prayer are required. How else can our prayers be meaningful?
It is good practice to quote the Scriptures in our prayers. For example, Isaiah 41:10 God says: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Quoting Scripture means we depend on God’s word to guide our prayers. Therefore, our prayers are truth-based and Holy Spirit-directed.
When we approach God in prayer, there must not be lingering ‘fears or doubts,’ because God is completely trustworthy and reliable in fulfilling His divine promises. Firstly, God prepares us for His answers. We have absolutely nothing to fear or be dismayed about. God will strengthen our faith and hope in Him while we await His answers. And then this, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Consider it done!
Paul concludes the third chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, with these words, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20,21). This is the God believers pray to. The God who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.”
Note, “The power at work with us,” is the ongoing work of God’s Holy Spirit in each believer’s life, producing holiness, guiding and directing our lives in accordance with the will and purposes of God. Paul says, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Prayer is a mighty force for Christians living in a topsy-turvy world where right is wrong and wrong is right. And some are looking everywhere for answers except to Almighty God who is omnipotent (unlimited power; able to do anything), omniscient (knowing everything), and omnipresent (being everywhere). Take time to be holy. Take time to pray.